A hint of warmth floods your kitchen as the aroma of savory chicken mingles with the richness of melting cheddar cheese. You can almost hear the soft bubbly sound of creamy rice simmering beneath a golden crust. The Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is the heart of cozy meals, a dish that wraps you in a comforting embrace, just like Grandma used to make—abundant, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Growing up, this dish graced our dinner table during chilly winter nights, filling the air with delightful scents and my family with joy. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished memory, a tradition that brings everyone together, leaving us reminiscing about laughter-filled evenings over a homemade meal. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a gathering for the holidays, this casserole shines as the star of the show. So, let’s dive in and make some memories in your own kitchen with this delightful casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep and an hour of baking mean you’ll have a comforting dinner on the table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: Expect a warm bowl of deliciousness where tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness create the ultimate flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden cheese topping over the hearty casserole is sure to impress your family and guests alike!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for those busy days ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with a few simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooked chicken (2 cups): Shredded rotisserie chicken works best for ease and flavor, but you can use any leftover chicken you have.
Uncooked long-grain rice (1 cup): This rice variety stays fluffy and absorbs flavors beautifully throughout the baking process.
Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): Adds a rich, creamy texture; look for a low-sodium can if you prefer to control the saltiness.
Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz): Enhances richness and depth but can be swapped with an extra can of cream of chicken if desired.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Use low-sodium broth for better control over the dish’s overall salt level.
Milk (1/2 cup): Whole milk adds creaminess, but feel free to use your preferred milk substitute.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): This adds a fragrant depth of flavor, easily replaceable with fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): A great seasoning to round out the flavors, though fresh onion can work in a pinch!
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Freshly cracked pepper gives the dish a little kick, balancing its richness.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): A must for that gooey, melted topping; sharp cheddar is recommended for intense flavor!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grab a generous 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of non-stick spray or butter. This ensures your casserole won’t stick, allowing easy serving and cleanup later on.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, uncooked long-grain rice, both cans of cream soups, chicken broth, and milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and the rice is evenly mixed, creating a beautiful, cohesive blend.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the flavorful mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Ensuring an even layer helps with cooking and gives every bite that perfect balance of creamy chicken and tender rice.

Cover and Bake: Now, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it traps steam and moisture, helping the rice cook perfectly throughout. Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, encouraging the ingredients to meld and the rice to fluff.

Uncover and Top: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam). It’s now time to sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, creating that gooey layer everyone loves. Return the transformed casserole to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling beautifully.

Rest and Serve: Once it’s done, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to settle, ensuring that each serving is hearty and full of goodness. Spoon out generous portions and watch how everyone rushes to the table!

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it securely in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place portions in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until warmed through. Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing, but a splash of extra milk while reheating can help refresh the creaminess!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overbaking by checking the casserole close to the end. The edges should be bubbly, and the cheese golden.
Make sure to mix all ingredients well; this ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
If using rotisserie chicken, shredding it while still warm makes the process much simpler!
Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition and color.
If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick!

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is bound to become a weeknight staple in your home. This dish captures the essence of comfort food while being simple enough for every cook to master. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a night of indulgence, this casserole might just be the perfect answer to your dinner dilemma. So, roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of homemade goodness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it might require extra liquid and a longer cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 45-50 minutes to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure everything cooks evenly.

What if I have leftover casserole?

Leftover Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole can easily be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool it down completely before storing to maintain the best texture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When it’s mealtime, simply pop it in the oven and extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through fully.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A side of garlic bread also complements it nicely, giving a crunchy contrast to the creamy dish. Enjoy!

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Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the delightful flavors of Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole! This dish combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheddar for a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare—perfect for busy nights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Cooked chicken (2 cups)
Uncooked long-grain rice (1 cup)
Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
Chicken broth (1 cup)
Milk (1/2 cup)
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, uncooked rice, both soups, chicken broth, and milk. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, then stir until well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Cover with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free options, select gluten-free soups and rice.
Add vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition.
Mix all ingredients well for even cooking.